I haven't been reading or doing much research in the past few weeks. I have done a little writing. A ten minute play based on three weird news stories during the two weeks 22 May - 31 May and one tragic news story during that same period. It was a "challenge" from some playwright friends of mine. I enjoyed it.
But why haven't I read or done research? My first professional production was on stage. And I was distracted by this. And there were serious family issues. But all that is in the past, at least for today. Back to work.
The play I was working on before I was sidetracked still excites me. And I'm glad that the break in my routine occurred. I discovered two crucial elements that this play needed. 1) The critical revelation my main character needed, and 2) A small but important character that was needed to give the play a heartbeat.
This is important. If I had just pressed ahead, I would have missed some things that I believe are important to this piece.
Back to work.
I did a little research and bought a book, "Staging the Savage God: The Grotesque in Performance." A little light summer reading. Vacation material.
And I have deadlines. I like deadlines. I like the pressure. There are two contests and a writing retreat this summer.
The contests are for full-length plays and what I have planned meets their general guidelines nicely. And the summer retreat offers a chance to rewrite and, as a bonus, perhaps the opportunity for a staged reading.
I enjoy staged readings. I never know if what is going on in my head has been translated to the page, although, the last year has showed that I'm not bad at this.
But my confidence is not deep. There have been plenty of rejections to go with the successes.
But rejection is good.
First, it means I have put my work out there. It's not just sitting on my hard drive gathering "dust."
Second, it makes me work harder. It makes me more... savage.
*William Butler Yeats commenting on the premier in Paris of the play "Ubu Roi"
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